A good fit if you...
- Want to serve in the armed forces right after school.
- Are physically fit and enjoy discipline and outdoor life.
- See four years of service as skill-building and are open to future options.
Defence · After 10th & 12th
Agniveer — Agnipath Scheme (Army, Navy, Air Force)
Under the Agnipath scheme, young people join the Army, Navy or Air Force as Agniveers for four years. It is the main route for non-officer entry into the armed forces, open after Class 10 or 12.
QualificationClass 10 or 12 (by trade)
Age Limit17.5–21 years
Monthly Package₹30,000 → ₹40,000
StagesOnline CEE → Physical → Medical
Overview
What is Agniveer?
The Agnipath scheme, launched in 2022, recruits Agniveers for a four-year engagement in the Army, Navy and Air Force. At the end of four years, up to 25% of each batch can be selected for the regular cadre on merit and organisational need.
Those who leave after four years receive a tax-free Seva Nidhi package of about ₹10.04 lakh (plus interest) and get preference in several government recruitments, including reservation in Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF).
Army AgniveerNavy Agniveer (SSR / MR)AgniveervayuSeva NidhiCEERally
Fit check
Who should choose Agniveer
Think twice if you...
- Want a guaranteed lifelong career — only up to 25% are retained.
- Cannot meet the physical and medical standards.
- Want officer entry — for that, look at National Defence Academy (NDA), Combined Defence Services (CDS) or Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT).
What gives you an edge
Class 10 any stream
Army Agniveer General Duty and Navy MR.
Class 12 Science (PCM)
Army Technical, Navy SSR and Air Force (science subjects).
Class 12 any stream
Army Clerk/Store Keeper Technical and Air Force (non-science subjects).
Step-by-step plan for your background
Arts / Humanities
If you're from Arts
- Class 10 qualifies you for Army General Duty; Class 12 Arts with 60% opens Clerk/Store Keeper Technical.
- Air Force non-science entry accepts Class 12 any stream with 50% and 50% in English.
- Start running and pull-up training early.
Commerce
If you're from Commerce
- Clerk/Store Keeper Technical suits Commerce students (50% in Accounts/Book Keeping or Maths and English).
- Air Force non-science entry is also open to you.
- Build fitness alongside study.
Science
If you're from Science
- Class 12 Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics (PCM) opens Army Technical, Navy SSR and Air Force (science) entries.
- CEE maths and science will feel familiar.
- Focus extra time on physical tests and medical fitness.
Eligibility
Agniveer eligibility criteria
| Criterion | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Indian citizen (plus Nepal/Bhutan subjects for some Army trades as per rules) |
| Age limit | 17.5–21 years |
| Army — General Duty | Class 10 with 45% aggregate and 33% in each subject |
| Army — Technical | Class 12 Science with Physics, Chemistry, Maths and English, 50% aggregate and 40% in each subject (or ITI/diploma routes as notified) |
| Army — Clerk / Store Keeper Technical | Class 12 in any stream with 60% aggregate and 50% in each subject (50% in English and Maths/Accounts/Book Keeping) |
| Army — Tradesman | Class 10 pass (Class 8 for some trades), 33% in each subject |
| Navy — SSR / MR | SSR: Class 12 with Maths and Physics plus Chemistry/Biology/Computer Science · MR: Class 10 pass |
| Air Force — Agniveervayu | Science: Class 12 with Maths, Physics and English (50% aggregate and 50% in English), or 3-year engineering diploma · Non-science: Class 12 any stream with 50% and 50% in English |
| Marital status | Unmarried, and must stay unmarried during the four-year engagement |
Upper age relaxation
| Category | Relaxation |
|---|---|
| All categories | No category-based age relaxation |
| NCC / sportspersons | Bonus marks rather than age relaxation (as per notification) |
Agnipath does not give OBC/SC/ST age relaxation. A one-time age relaxation was given in the first year (2022) only.
Physical fitness test (Army, General Duty — summary)
| Event | Group I (top marks) | Group II |
|---|---|---|
| 1.6 km run | Within 5 min 30 s | 5 min 31 s – 5 min 45 s |
| Beam (pull-ups) | 10 pull-ups for full marks | Fewer pull-ups earn fewer marks (minimum 6) |
| 9 feet ditch | Must clear — qualifying | Must clear — qualifying |
| Zig-zag balance | Must complete — qualifying | Must complete — qualifying |
| Measurement | Typical requirement |
|---|---|
| Height | About 157–170 cm depending on region and trade (lower for some hill and North-East regions) |
| Chest | 77 cm with 5 cm expansion for most regions |
| Weight | Proportionate to height and age |
Navy and Air Force run their own fitness tests (running, push-ups, sit-ups, squats). Standards differ by service and gender — check the service's notification.
Step-by-step
Agniveer selection process
Stage 1
Register online
On joinindianarmy.nic.in, joinindiannavy.gov.in or agnipathvayu.cdac.in.
Stage 2
Online Common Entrance Exam (CEE)
Computer-based test for the chosen trade.
Stage 3
Physical fitness & measurement
Recruitment rally (Army) or selection centre tests (Navy/Air Force).
Stage 4
Adaptability test & medical
Medical exam by armed forces doctors.
Stage 5
Merit list & joining
Enrolment and basic military training.
Marks & timing
Agniveer exam pattern
Stage 1
Army Agniveer (General Duty) — Common Entrance Exam
Questions50Marks100Duration60 minutes
| Section | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Knowledge, General Science, Maths, Logical Reasoning | 50 | 100 | 60 minutes |
Technical, Clerk/SKT and Tradesman trades have their own CEE patterns. Navy and Air Force tests are different — e.g. Agniveervayu has English, Physics and Maths for science candidates.
Key rules at a glance
Negative marking
Army GD CEE: 0.5 marks deducted per wrong answer (as per recent pattern).
Bonus marks
For National Cadet Corps (NCC) certificate holders and sportspersons.
Engagement
Four years, including training.
Retention
Up to 25% of each batch selected for regular cadre after four years.
What to study
Agniveer syllabus
General Knowledge
Indian historyGeographyPolityCultureSportsAwardsDefence and current affairs
General Science
Class 10 level physics, chemistry and biology.
Mathematics
Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, mensuration and trigonometry (Class 10 level; Class 12 for Technical trades).
Reasoning
Series, analogies, coding-decoding and non-verbal reasoning.
English (Clerk/SKT, Air Force)
Grammar, vocabulary and comprehension.
Pay, perks & work
Agniveer salary, designation & job profile
Monthly package₹30,000 (Yr 1) → ₹33,000 → ₹36,500 → ₹40,000 (Yr 4)
70% paid in hand; 30% goes to the Agniveer Corpus Fund, matched by the government.
Seva NidhiAbout ₹10.04 lakh + interest
Tax-free lump sum on completing four years.
Insurance & perks₹48 lakh non-contributory life insurance
Plus risk and hardship allowances, uniform, rations, medical care and canteen facilities.
Job role & responsibilities
Army
Infantry, artillery, armoured and support roles depending on trade.
Navy
Sailor duties on ships, submarines and shore establishments.
Air Force
Technical and non-technical support at Air Force stations.
Skills
Discipline, teamwork and trade-specific technical skills.
Career ladder
1Entry
Agniveer (4 years)
Training and service.
2Step 2
Regular cadre (up to 25%)
Selected Agniveers continue as regular soldiers, sailors or airmen.
3Step 3
CAPF and police
Ex-Agniveers get reservation and age relaxation in CAPF constable recruitment and benefits in several state police forces.
4Step 4
Further studies & jobs
Seva Nidhi and skill certificates support higher education or other careers.
Preparation strategy
How to prepare for Agniveer
A practical, phase-by-phase plan. Adjust the timeline to when the next notification is expected.
1Weeks 1–2
Choose your entry
- Pick the service and trade that match your qualification.
- Check height, chest and eyesight against the standards.
2Months 1–2
CEE preparation
- Class 10 maths and science revision.
- General Knowledge (GK) and reasoning practice daily.
3Months 1–3 (parallel)
Physical training
- Run 5–6 days a week; target 1.6 km under 5:30.
- Build to 10 pull-ups; practise the ditch and balance.
4Final 4 weeks
Mocks and rally readiness
- CEE mock tests with negative marking.
- Prepare documents, NCC certificate (if any) and medical readiness.
Agniveer-specific tips
Run every day
The 1.6 km run decides most of the physical marks.
Train pull-ups
Build up to 10 pull-ups for full marks.
Revise Class 10 basics
CEE questions come from school-level maths and science.
Get your NCC certificate
NCC bonus marks can make a real difference.
Trusted resources
Where to study from
- joinindianarmy.nic.in, joinindiannavy.gov.in and agnipathvayu.cdac.in
- National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) Maths and Science (Class 9–10; Class 11–12 for technical entries)
- Previous CEE question papers
- A structured running and strength training plan
- Your NCC unit (bonus marks for certificates)
Keep exploring
Related government exams
Student doubts
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Army Clerk/Store Keeper Technical and Air Force (non-science) accept Class 12 in any stream with the required percentages. Army General Duty only needs Class 10.
No. The CEE is at school level. Physical fitness needs regular practice more than coaching.
Up to 25% are selected for the regular cadre. Others leave with the Seva Nidhi package and get preference in several government recruitments, including CAPFs.
Yes. Women can join as Agniveers in the Navy and Air Force, and in the Army's Women Military Police.
No fixed attempt limit — you can apply within the 17.5–21 age window.
Army GD: 1.6 km run (5 min 30 s for top marks), up to 10 pull-ups, 9-ft ditch and zig-zag balance. Height about 157–170 cm by region; chest 77 cm + 5 cm.
Units anywhere in India — borders, ships and air bases — and wherever the force is deployed.
Up to 25% join the regular cadre and follow normal ranks (e.g. Lance Naik → Naik → Havildar). Others get Seva Nidhi and CAPF reservation.
*Eligibility, age limits, exam pattern and pay figures are based on recent official notifications and the 7th Central Pay Commission structure as of 2026. In-hand salary estimates are indicative and vary with city (HRA) and the current Dearness Allowance rate. Every recruitment cycle can change the details — always confirm in the latest official notification before applying.
Official source: Join Indian Army (joinindianarmy.nic.in) — also joinindiannavy.gov.in and agnipathvayu.cdac.in